Ladakh rolls out first tourism incentive policy

Kargil

Ladakh has rolled out its first tourism incentive policy with a focus on ensuring equitable and sustainable development of all regions in the Union Territory, an official spokesperson said on Sunday.

Commissioner Secretary Tourism and Culture Rigzin Samphel has laid special emphasis on the new Capital Outright Investment Subsidy.

It aspires to promote a concept of small and beautiful fixed assets in Ladakh based on local tradition and architecture, especially the tourism assets in remote and virgin tourist destinations of Ladakh, the spokesperson said.

He said the upper limit of the Capital Outright Investment Subsidy, has been increased by 33 per cent from the previous Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh.

The government will grant 30 per cent Capital Outright Investment Subsidy on the fixed assets for new tourism units which will also be available for expansion of the existing units, he said.

The spokesman said another highlight of the incentive scheme is the Ladakh Tangible Cultural Heritage Conservation Fund and as per the policy, Ladakh has a rich collection of historic and heritage sites such as forts and old heritage buildings spread all across the districts of Leh and Kargil.

In case of the site being private property, the ownership would be certified by the revenue department (tehsildar), he said.

One of the other highlights of the incentive scheme is the "Training of Personnel in Tourism Industry" which has been introduced, to assist entrepreneurs in upgrading the skills.

The expenditure for the training of managers and other executives shall be reimbursed, to the extent of 50 per cent of the actual cost or Rs 50,000, he said.

Regarding the implementing agency for disbursement of subsidy, the spokesperson said a committee headed by Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Ladakh would scrutinise the cases recommended by the Director of Tourism. (PTI)